You can see a Family Counsellor as an individual, as a small group or the whole family together. We will not take sides or tell you what to do. We will encourage each family member to have a voice and help you to resolve your differences together.

How can it help me?

All families are unique and have unique problems. Our Counsellors are experienced relationship experts and are specially trained to work with families. Some of the issues people seek family counselling for are:

• I love my partner but am having trouble getting on with my stepchildren.
• My partner and I are separating. I am worried about the children. I want to sort things out with my partner so at least we can carry on being good parents.
• Coping with disruptive teenagers.
• Coping with a new baby
• Unresolved issues between adult children and their parents.
• Family members who are struggling to communicate.
• Arguments or different views about what are acceptable or unacceptable behaviours.
• New families involving children from previous relationships.
• Exploration of different parenting styles and patterns, which may be a source of conflict.
• Adult siblings who have unresolved past conflicts

What do Relate consider to be a family?

Any group of people who consider themselves to be family are welcome to enter family counselling.

Who can come?

Any combination of family members: This can include mother, father, siblings, grandparents and extended family members.

Can our children come as well?

The initial appointment is for family members aged 16 and over. Attendance of younger family members can be discussed with the family counsellor at this meeting.